The UK NSC recommendation on Anal Cancer screening in adults

Find general information about population health screening.

Why is screening not recommended by UK NSC?

A national anal cancer screening programme is not recommended because there is not enough evidence and understanding of the condition to be sure a screening programme would deliver sufficient benefit. The review found that:

• While the number of anal cancer cases has increased it is still a rare form of cancer with only 916 new cases in England in 2010
• There isn't a clear understanding of who is more likely to get anal cancer and how it develops
• The test for detecting the cancer is not always reliable
• It is not clear whether people would find the test for anal cancer acceptable (that is, some people may be unwilling to have an examination of their rectum by a doctor)
• While so many questions remain unanswered, it is difficult to assess how a screening programme would be cost effective and beneficial

More about Anal Cancer

The anus is the opening of the bowel, and is controlled by a ring of muscle that opens and closes to control bowel movements. Cancer of the anus is rare. Less than 800 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year in the UK. As with most cancers the cause of anal cancer is unknown. It is slightly more common in women than men.

» Read more about anal cancer on NHS Choices

Stakeholders

• Barts and the London NHS Trust, Sexual Health Centre
• The British Association for Cancer Research
• British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
• British Association of Surgical Oncology
• Cancer Research UK
• GMFA - the gay men's health charity
• Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Sexual Health
• Rarer Cancers Forum
• Royal College of Physicians
• Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Royal College of Surgeons
• Society and College of Radiographers

The stakeholder groups will be involved when the recommendation is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us. More information for stakeholders can be found in appendix C of the UK NSC evidence review process.

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